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Extreme names Kenton Carr new head coach

December 6, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Bloomington Extreme News Release


Bloomington Extreme officials looked to its own to lead the team in the 2008 United Indoor Football League season by naming former quarterback and Bloomington native Kenton Carr to the head coaching position during a Thursday afternoon news conference at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

The soon-to-be 39-year-old Carr replaces Ted Schmitz and becomes the second coach in the franchise's three-year history. Schmitz was promoted to assistant general manager in the Extreme's front office following the 2007 season.

"We are elated to have Kenton remain in the Extreme organization and take the head coaching reins," said Extreme owner Ed Brady in making the announcement. "Kenton has been a vital part of our organization in a behind-the-scenes capacity.

"He worked closely with Coach Schmitz in the recruitment of past and present players and helped evaluate talent. Kenton has a wealth of knowledge about the indoor game and probably understands it as well as anyone."

While this is Carr's first official coaching job, he brings years of experience in arena and indoor football to the position.

"This is obviously a great opportunity for me in strong organization," said Carr. I've been around football a long time and feel like I've learned a lot from all my coaches. I've worked with Coach Schmitz the last two years and understand what it takes to move the Extreme forward.

"Coach Schmitz and his staff did an excellent job of building the foundation of this program in the first two years and I am honored to be given the opportunity to continue to build on their successes."

Extreme general manager Jerry McBurney said it was important for the organization to maintain continuity based on the strides the Extreme made as a team last season.

"Kenton is both familiar with and respected by the core players who will return to play in 2008 and he knows our offensive and defensive systems as well as anyone," said McBurney.

"Our goal is to improve on what Ted has accomplished over the past two seasons and not start from scratch with a whole new coaching philosophy. With Ted's continued association with the team, we know this will be a smooth transition given his relationship and comfort level with Kenton."

Carr was a three-sport athlete (football, baseball, basketball) at Bloomington High School) for three years. His family moved to nearby Washington his senior year where he earned Mid-Illini Conference honors in football during his senior year in 1988.

He continued his football career at Illinois Valley Community College for two years before completing his college career at and Eureka where he ranked among the top 10 in the country in passing yardage his senior year. He was an all-conference selection at IVCC and Eureka College.

Carr had several tryouts with professional teams, including the Chicago Bears, following his college career. He was invited to play with the Frankfort Galaxy of the NFL Europe, but could not go because of an injury.

He played for the Cleveland Thunderbolts of the Arena Football League in 1994. Carr saw action with the Peoria Pirates in 1999 and 2004. He also played for semi-pro teams Midstate Steel and the Twin City Storm before joining the Peoria Roughriders of the UIF for the start of the 2006 season.

Carr moved to the Extreme organization midway through the 2006 season and served as a reserve quarterback and unofficial assistant coach under Schmitz.

The Extreme begins the 2008 season at home against Sioux Falls on March 8 at 7:05 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

The team will have an open tryout Dec. 15 at Shirk Center on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus. Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. with tryouts from 9 to noon. Candidates trying out should wear gym shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes. Cost is $50. Contact Schmitz at 309-434-2935 for more information.

Season ticket packages for the 2008 campaign can be purchased by calling 309-434-2664.



United Indoor Football Association Stories from December 6, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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